A Fine Sumatran ‘Sikin Panjang’ from the Acehnese or Gayo region. The ‘Sikin Panjang’ was one of the most used swords among the Acehnese during the Aceh war in the late 19th century against the Dutch colonial forces. It was often accompanied with a rattan shield ‘Peurise’, a blunderbuss and a smaller side knife known as ‘Rencong’ or ‘Siwar’.

The hilt:
Of popular form in the mostly Islamic Acehnese region, locally called ‘ Hulu Rumpung’. It was carved of one piece of horn slightly curved with two protruding ends.
The inner side of the hilt features an older collection label with ’88’ written on it. The ferrule is a nine petal ‘suasa’ crown, finely carved and finished with a driven silver fitting with a diamond shaped floral decoration. The base of the blade is made of a pattern welded steel guard.

The blade:
Rather thin and long, compared to the regular wider blades of the ‘Sikin’. The blade has a flat spine which ends in a false edge near the tip. The cutting edge is sharpened and has a barely visable curve. The edge runs down towards the rounded tip.

Conclusion:

A very fine ‘Sikin’ which meets all the requirements of the modern day collector of Sumatran arms. The highly unusual hilt design with precious a precious combination of ‘suasa’ and silver are a very interesting and scarce feature.

Condition: Excellent, minor ware on the ‘suasa’ and some old pitting which has been cleaned long ago. Small ware on the hilt. Further excellent, no scabbard.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 11,5cm
Blade: 52cm
Blade spine thickness: 5mm
Total length: 63,8cm